BEIRUT: The government is not responsible for the delay in negotiations aimed at securing the release of captive Lebanese security personnel held by Syria’s jihadi militants, but is ready to discuss a straightforward swap deal to end their ordeal, Health Minister Wael Abou Faour said Wednesday.
Speaking after a meeting with the families of the captives at their protest campsite in Dahr al-Baidar, Abou Faour assured that the government is eyeing productive talks to clarify conditions and counter-conditions leading to the release of the hostages.
“The Lebanese government asserts that it is serious to the utmost about the negotiations in order to bring back the soldiers. We call for a clear and frank swap (deal) immediately,” Abou Faour said, refuting blame for the stumbling of talks.
“The procrastination in negotiations which occurred int he past few days is not caused by the government and it does not mean in anyway a change or relapse in the government’s position and determination to free the captives,” Abou Faour said.
The families meanwhile vowed to open the Dahr al-Baidar road after speaking with the minister, but denied that the minister influences their decision.
The minister pointed out that he had briefed the captives’ relatives about progress in the file, stressing that the Qatari mediation is still ongoing.
The relatives of the over 21 army troops and policemen who are held hostage by militants from Syria’s Nusra Front and Islamic State (ISIS) near the border town of Arsal, have been blocking the main artery of Dahr al-Baidar linking Beirut with the eastern Bekaa valley for almost two weeks to press the government into negotiating the captives’ release with the militants.
The militants have reportedly demanded the release of Islamist inmates in Roumieh prison in return for the soldiers’ freedom. The latter were among over 30 personnel captured during battles in Arsal between the Army and the militants last August. Two soldiers were beheaded by ISIS and one killed and seven released by Nusra Front so far.
The captors are threatening to execute more captives unless the government heeded their demands.
Advertisement
No comments:
Post a Comment